Victoria & Albert's review (sorta)

[ZephyrHawk]

Don't get me wrong. I love a fine dining experience and any excuse to dress up; but just this morning I read a review in The Guardian of Le Cinq at the Four Seasons George V hotel in Paris, a world renowned restaurant with three Michelin stars, and *that* meal was the same price as one at Victoria and Albert. Wow.

Michelin doesn't go to Orlando. The general consensus is that, if it did, V&As would have several stars. What's your point?

 

[Kodachrome_Dreams]

Michelin doesn't go to Orlando. The general consensus is that, if it did, V&As would have several stars. What's your point?

I think my point is clear. I am surprised that a theme park restaurant, no matter how enthusiastic a fan base it has, is able to get away with charging world-class Michelin star level prices. But hey, it's next to impossible to get a table there, so kudos to Disney for pulling it off I guess.

 

[DrunkJam]

Don't get me wrong. I love a fine dining experience and any excuse to dress up; but just this morning I read a review in The Guardian of Le Cinq at the Four Seasons George V hotel in Paris, a world renowned restaurant with three Michelin stars, and *that* meal was the same price as one at Victoria and Albert. Wow.

I saw that review too. (I love the Jay Rayner column). Did you see HIs pics vs the ones the restaurant sent him? Goodness that food looked bad (and was by the sounds of the review.

 

[aviva5675]

I think the fact that VandA is in a theme park is coincidental only. From what I understand locals and those who know of it come solely to eat. We went a few years ago and had a great time. Yes, we packed fancy clothes just for that, but since we almost never dress up it made it more fun. We were with our 22 year old DD pescatarian, and they really catered to her food choices to give her an equally excellent meal. We didn't feel hushed or that we couldnt have a nice,fun conversation. In fact, there was a space launch in the middle of the meal and we stated that we wanted to try and watch the sky for the rocket, and they halted our meal so we could go outside the doors and see it-- which we could, and that was amazing too. We did the 7 course, no wine, my DH and DD possibly had one drink, I don't remember, we did the fancy coffee thing. It was a lot, but worth it. We live in Fla now and will go back in 3 years for our 30th. I've paid more for dinner (ie Tru, Chicago) and enjoyed it less.

 

[amberpi]

I think my point is clear. I am surprised that a theme park restaurant, no matter how enthusiastic a fan base it has, is able to get away with charging world-class Michelin star level prices. But hey, it's next to impossible to get a table there, so kudos to Disney for pulling it off I guess.

I've been to Le Cinq - but it was almost 6 years ago and seemed way pricier, so I looked it up. It is 210 Euros for 6 courses. 330 Euros for the Epicurean 9 course and their Valentines menu was 750. The atmosphere is much more to my taste, but the service is exactly on point at both, now I've been to V&A a bunch of times due to availablity, I don't jaunt to Paris for 3 day trips pretty much whenever, like I can do for WDW The food experience at V&A is close, but admittedly, Le Cinq is better. What I think is amazing is that it IS within a themepark. You can have an outstanding meal and then go ride roller coasters. I'm pretty hardcore about heels (and with the wine pairing, let's be honest, I can't feel my feet) and I've gone for hours after V&A, riding in a cocktail dress in heels. What a cool juxtaposition. Is it the French Laundry? Nope, is it totally worth it and just cool to have available at WDW? Yep.

 

[agavegirl1]

Thank you for your review OP. My husband read it and now, he no longer is interested in V&A. He wanted to do the Chef's table which is even pricier and after reading your review, he is more interested in Morimoto Asia or somewhere else.

 

[alohatigger]

We went last year for the 10 course tasting in the Queen Victoria room. They both wrote us a welcome e-mail and we got a phone call, and both times they remind you of the price. So we saved up for this for a special occasion. We still talk about how relaxing and peaceful it was and some of the dishes were the best we have ever had! That being said, I would not do this for a regular vacation day, but save it for a special occasion. We are hoping to do this again years from now for a special occasion. I do think the wine paring with the food is too much. I would just order a glass of something terrific and have that with the meal. No one makes you uncomfortable, the staff are there to make you feel welcome and we even learned some great new things about cuisine.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Thank you for your review OP. My husband read it and now, he no longer is interested in V&A. He wanted to do the Chef's table which is even pricier and after reading your review, he is more interested in Morimoto Asia or somewhere else.

Morimoto Asia is SO good!

 

[gharter]

We have gone multiple times and loved every single time. We have taken our children when they were in their late teens and they loved it as well. They are foodies. Both children still talk about when they went there and how good it was.
Yes, its not cheap. But, the food, wine pairings, wait staff are second to none. We have eaten at many other multi-star and diamond restaurants and V and A lacks nothing.
You should look online to get an idea of menu options, although the menu changes nightly as not everyone will enjoy their food.
Also, be prepared to spend the better part of 3 hours for the meal. We have never been out in less than 3 hours (maybe we eat slowly).

 

[Imagineer5]

I posted the question of Narcoossees or V & A and people were saying things like "for the price difference it's a no brainer" and "roughly 3 times the price" they are being playing pretty loose with words.

Ok, by way of comparison, at Cali Grill my wife and I got an app, each an entree, each a dessert, and each had a couple of drinks. After tax and tip it was about $240. At V&A we got the 7 course (the cheapest you can get at $185 PP), the wine pairing ($105 PP, but if you have a couple of glasses you will hit that, so you may as well), and we had the coffee, and after tax and tip it was about $750. So where people get this nonsense of it being not that much more expensive is beyond me. It's simply not true. CG is likely the next most expensive place in WDW and we had about the same amount of food and drink for about 1/3 the price.

Confused by your math. You state people were loose with words with you regarding the price being about 3 times the cost, then go on to state it cost 3 times more. LOL!


I think people need to read what they are signing up for if they make a reservation that will cost them so much money. If they are not okay with the cost, then don't go?


We went here for my birthday in October 2014? It was an amazing experience, one that I'd love to do again when finances & time allows. However, we do visit California Grill each and every trip because we enjoy it that much.

 

[BayouQueen]

On pricing, we were a bit surprised that there were "upcharges" for some menu items, other than the expected "caviar bump." I think one was for a special beef -- can't remember what else. Somehow we ended up spending around $1200 for three adults, with tax and tip.

"Worth it" is a personal decision. Just be prepared that it is expensive. I'm really glad I got to do it once and think it's great that WDW has V&A to offer. Just shows they have something for everyone!

 

[Kae]

Thank you for your review OP. My husband read it and now, he no longer is interested in V&A. He wanted to do the Chef's table which is even pricier and after reading your review, he is more interested in Morimoto Asia or somewhere else.

not to go OT, Try Emeril's or Tchoup Choup chef's bar we had a great time at the Tchoup Choup chefs bar.

kae

 

[Lehuaann]

I think my point is clear. I am surprised that a theme park restaurant, no matter how enthusiastic a fan base it has, is able to get away with charging world-class Michelin star level prices. But hey, it's next to impossible to get a table there, so kudos to Disney for pulling it off I guess.

Your points are irrelevant.

Victoria and Alberts is a theme park restaurant like Joel Robuchon is a casino restaurant. And there are pocket-friendly Michelin restaurants and meals.

Victoria and Alberts is a 17th year AAA Five Diamond restaurant, so Disney isn't getting away with anything.

 

[csmommy]

I personally cannot wait! We have a reservation for the Queen Victoria Room, & love to dress up.

Does anyone know how long the dinner is for the 7 course & the 10 course meal is?

 

[Lehuaann]

I personally cannot wait! We have a reservation for the Queen Victoria Room, & love to dress up.

Does anyone know how long the dinner is for the 7 course & the 10 course meal is?

Approx 4 hours. During 3 courses of the 10, the 7 just waits it out. This is where you share Enjoy!

 

[csmommy]

Approx 4 hours. During 3 courses of the 10, the 7 just waits it out. This is where you share Enjoy!

That makes sense. I'm sure he will want the 10 course so I will just snack along with him & get the 7 course.

 

[Lehuaann]

That makes sense. I'm sure he will want the 10 course so I will just snack along with him & get the 7 course.

You don't get to choose with the 10 course like you do with the 7, so it's nice to have that flexibility.

 

[csmommy]

You don't get to choose with the 10 course like you do with the 7, so it's nice to have that flexibility.

That's brilliant, thanks!

Anything else you think I need to know?

I know it's not until October, but I cannot wait!!

 

[Lehuaann]

That's brilliant, thanks!

Anything else you think I need to know?

I know it's not until October, but I cannot wait!!

Don't feel like you need to get upgrades. We've dined there several times and have never paid for an upcharge (although I just might get the Turbot next time). We also don't drink (I believe they tried to require wine pairings in the QV room a few years ago, not sure if this is still the case). They offer you an upgraded water, but we just get regular water and tea. The tea has frozen tea ice cubes, so it's never watery (clever). The coffee/tea service is amazing. We also take our (4) chocolates/truffles boxed to go.

I don't know about the stuffiness and interruptions I'm reading on this thread. The wait staff are in/out so fast, they barely interrupt you. They are extremely courteous and will even chat with you, if you like. Many have worked there for a long time, some with spouses. It's also dimly lit and very romantic, so we think it's a lovely place to hold intimate conversations. We took my dad and 2 kids with us last Oct (graduation and birthday) and they thoroughly enjoyed it. There is a harpist and we always request our favorite, Unchained Melody. I tear up every time.

Our only issue ever was the loud, borderline drunks during our first visit. But that's it. Otherwise, there is only one seating and it's staggered, so the tables will start to empty around you.

Don't be afraid to share bites with one another or take pictures of your plates. For couples/group pictures a great place to pose is in front of the arrangement near the exit. The door greeter will take your picture.

Most of all, just savor, relish, smile, enjoy...

P.S. I've never requested a purse tuffet. My clutch goes on the seat next to us or floor next to my chair, lol.

 

[Pumbaa_]

the best part about Disney is that there is choices. You want hot dogs and nachos? got that!
You want sushi? yup, got that
You want characters? yup that too
Hoe down? yup
Steak house? that too!
5 star dining? yup got that too

I have done all the above. I like it all. there is a time and a place for everything in my world (it's an interesting place )

Know yourself. Know what you like. If your idea of an evening out is Red Robin, you may not enjoy V&A
if you are adventurous, you may

yes, it is much more of an experience than a meal. Yes it is expensive for most pockets

if it is not for you, no problem! there are so many other options that are

I think that is what I love best about Disney, there is something for everyone